Plizio Visual Lab
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, towering above the city of Novi Pazar, was established in 1171 by Stefan Nemanja, the progenitor of the Nemanjić dynasty. According to legend, he built the monastery out of gratitude to Saint George for his release from a cave where his brothers had imprisoned him. The complex is a seminal example of the Raška school of architecture, which harmonizes Byzantine spatial layouts with Romanesque decorative elements. It was originally characterized by two tall bell towers (stupovi), from which the monastery derives its name, though only parts of them remain today. Since 1979, the monastery has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the 'Stari Ras and Sopoćani' group. Despite massive destruction during Ottoman conflicts and World War I, extensive conservation efforts have been carried out in recent decades. The surviving fresco fragments demonstrate the exceptional skill of medieval Serbian artists, while the site features a panoramic view of the Ras region.
- Location: Serbia
- Nearby: Leposavić Municipality (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 67 | 79 | 75 | 99 | 91 | 72 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 84 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery can be visited both outside and inside the church. Access is typically possible during daytime, unless services are underway.
Typical hours
As part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, opening hours are seasonal. The monastery is typically open from spring to autumn, with limited hours in winter.
Photography
Photography is usually allowed outdoors and in the courtyard. Inside the church, monks often request no flash to protect the medieval frescoes.
Time needed
A visit to the monastery takes about 45 minutes to an hour if you admire the architecture and iconostasis. For a thorough exploration of the surroundings, allow two hours.
Combine with
The monastery is near Novi Pazar, where you can also visit the old town and the Sopoćani church. A day trip to the region's medieval sites is highly worthwhile.
Getting there
Đurđevi Stupovi is accessible by car on good roads from Novi Pazar, taking about 10 minutes. There is a small car park at the monastery; bus services are infrequent.
Insider tip
Visit the monastery in the late afternoon when the light paints the stone facade gold. Maintain quiet and avoid loud conversations on the premises.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1171 by Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja
- Part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1979
- Exhibits a unique blend of Byzantine and Romanesque styles
- Named after its two distinctive towers (Stupovi)
- Positioned on a hill overlooking the city of Novi Pazar
- Subject to significant archaeological research in the 20th century
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery?
A significant 12th-century Serbian monastery founded by Stefan Nemanja.
Where is it located?
It is located on a hill overlooking the city of Novi Pazar.
Is it a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, it is part of the UNESCO site 'Stari Ras and Sopoćani'.
What does the name mean?
The name means 'The Pillars of Saint George'.
Can one visit the interior?
Yes, the church and the monastery grounds are open to visitors.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery: where is it located?
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery is located in Serbia.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, towering above the city of Novi Pazar, was established in 1171 by Stefan Nemanja, the progenitor of the Nemanjić dynasty.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Serbia →
Nearby cities
Cacak Trade Center
Cacak is considered an important transport and trade hub in Central Serbia.
Zajecar Industrial Hub
Zajecar is a regional economic center in Eastern Serbia, focusing on trade and various industrial plants.
Pozarevac Economic Center
Pozarevac serves as an important regional commercial and administrative center.
Istog Municipality
Located in western Kosovo, Istog is known for its natural beauty, including the Rugova Canyon and numerous water sources.
Uvac
A spectacular nature reserve famous for the dramatic meanders of the Uvac River and rare Griffon Vultures.
Prokuplje Industrial Center
Prokuplje is a regional center for various industrial branches and manufacturing in the Toplica region.
Leposavić Municipality
Located in North Kosovo, Leposavić is known for its scenic mountain landscapes and important Serbian Orthodox monasteries.
Vladičin Han
Vladičin Han is located in southern Serbia on the banks of the South Morava river.
Zubin Potok
A gateway to nature in northern Kosovo, renowned for the vast Gazivoda Lake and the stunning mountain scenery of Mokra Gora.
Sjenica
Located on the stunning Pešter Plateau, Sjenica is known for its rugged natural beauty and extreme winters.
Prijepolje
Prijepolje is a town in southwestern Serbia at the confluence of the Lim and Mileševka rivers.
Priboj
Located on the banks of the Lim River, Priboj is a town rich in industrial history and surrounded by stunning nature.
Golija
A vast mountain range and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its dense forests and untouched nature.
History & landmarks
Nature
Raška River
The Raška is a river in southwestern Serbia.
Crni Vrh (Raška)
Crni Vrh is a well-known peak in the Raška region.
Krčmar
Krčmar is a well-known peak and slope area in the Kopaonik mountains.
Pančić Peak
Pančić Peak is the highest point of the Kopaonik mountain range.
Jankov Kamen
Jankov Kamen is the highest peak of the Golija mountain range.
Samokovska Reka
Samokovska Reka is a mountain river in the Kopaonik National Park.
Gobelja Peak
Gobelja is an important peak in the Kopaonik massif.
More places
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul near Novi Pazar is one of the oldest preserved Christian churches in Serbia.
Stari Ras
Stari Ras was the first capital of the medieval Serbian state of Raška.
Gradac Monastery
Gradac Monastery was built in the 13th century.
Raška planina
Raška planina is a mountain region near Novi Pazar.
Raska Monastery
Raska Monastery is a historical site near Raska.
Rogozna Mountain
Rogozna is a volcanic mountain range in southern Serbia.
Končul Monastery
Končul Monastery near Raška is a historical complex from the Middle Ages.
Nova Pavlica Monastery
Nova Pavlica is a monastery near Raška, founded at the end of the 14th century.